P-51B Mustang 354th F.G., Ding Hao (1:48)

Aerial combat during WWII was fought by ordinary men, performing extraordinary deeds. James Howard would argue that he was simply doing his job, but the bomber crews he defended on 11th January 1944 witnessed a hero at work! Ferocious dogfights left Howard alone with a large number of vulnerable B-17 �Flying Fortresses�. Over 50 enemy fighters circled for the kill, but Howard repeatedly attacked them, repelling wave after wave of determined attacks. He showed little regard for his own safety in the face of overwhelming odds. Bomber crews reported that they witnessed 6 enemy fighters fall to the guns of Howard�s Mustang, however the modest Howard did not report anything unusual on his return to base. Howard was to receive his nations highest award for valour, the Congressional Medal of Honour!

The P-51 Mustang has to be one of the most beautiful aircraft ever produced. It was developed following a British request for a new fighter in 1940, made to the newly formed North American Aviation Company. Initial engine problems plagued the design, but the combination of the Mustang and a Rolls Royce Merlin Engine proved a revelation. The aircraft was transformed into the world�s most potent fighting machine, possessing speed, endurance and firepower. The USAAF now had the ability to escort its bombers deep into Germany and the Mustang ensured the Allies gained air superiority. It also accounted for more enemy aircraft �kills� in Europe than any other type, as overwhelming numbers systematically destroyed the Luftwaffe�s ability to fight!